1Training & Health

Question: There are so many bars and gels and drinks out there for energy and endurance. What should you look for in a bar or gel? What about the composition of complex versus simple sugars? When should you intake them before and during the bike ride? How much is too much? – David Coach John Hughes Replies: You are asking excellent questions, David! Over 40 years of riding and … [Read more...] about What Should I Eat Before Cycling?

By Coach John Hughes In this series of columns over the past few weeks, I’ve been discussing various aches and pains (other than tired legs!) that we road cyclists suffer from, what causes them and what you can do to avoid them on a bike. Previous columns have covered: cramping; nausea; saddle discomfort / saddle sores; upper back, shoulder, neck pain / discomfort; … [Read more...] about Cycling Aches and Pains IV: Lower Back Pain / Discomfort

By Coach John Hughes Do your hands go numb when you're cycling? In the RBR reader survey a few weeks ago, painful or numb hands was the third most frequent problem cited – afflicting 16% of you as your main physical issue on the bike. (While it may not be main issue for most of us, hand pain or, especially, numbness, happens to almost all of us from time to time.) I have … [Read more...] about Cycling Aches and Pains III: Numb Hands or Hands that Hurt

By Coach John Hughes This week I'm going to give you tips on how to avoid upper back, shoulder and neck pain while riding. In 1986 Pete Penseyres set the solo transcontinental speed record of 3,107 miles (5,000 km) in 8 days, 9 hours and 47 minutes, which included all time on and off the bicycle! He averaged 15.40 mph (24.8 km/h). That record stood for 27 years. Christoph … [Read more...] about Aches and Pains II: Upper Back, Shoulder, Neck Pain / Discomfort from Bicycling